This may not be a comprehensive list, but it's handy to have a bit of a check on the major things you'll need, some of which you'll want to sort long before the trip. If you are a newbie, you'll also want to read our beginner skiers' and boarders' information.

to start with

• A booking for accommodation & travel - easy with booking on a Veggie Snow trip, or book your own place to stay and travel. You can wing it in low season if you like to take risks and can self-cater, though many of the listed catered chalets can do vegan food at short notice too.
• Snow sports holiday insurance - take this out when you book or make sure your annual cover covers you, as then whatever happens between now and the holiday you are covered. Make sure it covers you for liability for your accommodation too.
• Make sure your passport will cover you for the time of the trip.
• Put aside the money for the full balance payment so it is not too much of a shock when it comes - often inconveniently around Christmas if you ski Feb/March/April. The norm is about 8-10 weeks before the trip.

in the couple of months leading up to the trip

• get an EHIC card (or equivalent if you are not a Brit), if you haven't already
• consider pre-booking skis/boards on line as it can be a lot cheaper - Google for your resort and ski hire ("location" in French)
• pre-book lessons well in advance if your trip is in medium or high season - use Google
• think about all the clothes you will need and buying/borrowing what you haven't got

in the last couple of weeks

• tickets or notification of e-tickets should arrive (often about 10 days before)
• arrange roaming (International) coverage for your mobile phone if you want it
• pre-book your lift pass if there is a facility to do so with your holiday company so that it is at your accommodation on your arrival
• make sure you have phone numbers with you you will need, such as accommodation and exchange mobile numbers with your travel companions.
• in many resorts you can pre-book your ski hire equipment with a big discount. This isn't essential if you are undecided, as sometimes there are deals in resort too. Search on line for information on this in your resort. There will probably be a choice of hire shops and companies. Make sure it is one near your accommodation or your ski school meeting point.

essential items to take with you

• tickets/e-ticket info
• passport
• cash, credit card, cash point card
• insurance details, including emergency phone numbers
• mobile phone & charger & adapter
• ear plugs
• warm snow clothes
• sun block/cream & lip protection cream
• food for the journey and specialist foods you might want during the trip if not supplied by your hosts or the local shops. Vegan margarine is the most likely thing you'll want to bring.
• swimming cozzie/trunks if there is a sauna or pool
• anything else you like to have with you on hol, be it music, clothes, toiletries or whatever

If there are any other essential things we should add here, contact us.